Acquitted last month of murder in the grisly killing of a World War II veteran in Essex Fells, Anthony today was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the lone count for which he was convicted: second-degree conspiracy to commit burglary.

That charge ordinarily carries a 5- to 10-year sentence, but Anthony’s considerable juvenile and adult record made him eligible for the extended term, which was imposed by Superior Court Judge Peter Vazquez in Newark following a request from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Killed that April day in 2010 was Robert Nevius, 91, who was beaten in the head with a stapler, stabbed in the neck, slashed with a knife and strangled with his own suspenders in his Essex Fells home.

Anthony, 30, and another man, Shaun Woodson, 26, were charged with murder and related counts. Prosecutors said the pair broke into the home, killed the retired executive then made off with thousands of dollars in jewelry.

Anthony testified at his murder trial last month, accusing Woodson of the killing. Anthony said he was the lookout and never entered the home. Woodson, who has pleaded not guilty, will be tried separately.

Anthony plans to appeal the sentence, said his attorney, Kevin Barry. "He is disappointed, considering how the jury spoke loud and clear he was not guilty of murder and felony murder," Barry said.

Anthony’s prior convictions were for eluding, receiving stolen property and a fourth-degree aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, Barry said.

Nevius’ church pastor addressed the court before sentencing, as did his brother-in-law, the prosecutor’s office said. "This victim was a husband, father and a decorated war veteran who had a right to live and die in his own time," Assistant Prosecutor William Neafsey said. "While the jury did not convict Anthony of murder, but for Anthony’s involvement, Mr. Nevius would still be alive today."